By Karen Gordon, Talent Lab Project Officer and final year doctoral researcher in Education.
Entering the professional world of research services (i.e. a career in research support, or research management) wasn’t a path I had planned when I started my PhD, but it has become a natural extension of my academic journey. As I work toward completing my PhD on Postgraduate Researcher (PGR) mental health, I’ve found myself increasingly drawn to a professional role that aligns with the core values of my research: supporting wellbeing, fostering collaboration, and promoting a positive research culture. This dual identity as both a researcher and a professional has not only shaped my understanding of higher education but also deepened my passion for improving the academic environment for others.
In this post, I will discuss how my role within the Research Services Directorate at the University of Glasgow has provided me with a pathway to create impact from my research; to implement my own research passions and turn my values into practical actions.
Understanding researcher mental health through a personal lens
My PhD research focuses on the mental health and wellbeing of PGRs, a topic that has become increasingly relevant in today’s academic climate of financial constraints and consequent academic job market implications.
Through my own research I examined factors which influence PGR stress, (such as intense workloads, competing deadlines, challenging supervisory relationships, or balancing multiple responsibilities outwith a doctorate journey), and the resultant impact this has on burnout, worsening mental health and feelings of isolation. I also investigated the types of support postgraduate researchers engaged with during stressful periods, and arguably most importantly – what additional support or services would benefit their mental health as they complete their doctorate.
This work has been both an intellectual and personal journey. As a PhD candidate, I have myself experienced many of the challenges I study. Balancing research, professional responsibilities, and personal life has required careful prioritisation and moments of self-reflection. This dual perspective—of both observing and experiencing—has given me a unique insight into the pressures researchers face, and the systemic changes needed to create healthier environments. It was this understanding and observation that planted the seed for my transition into Research Services.
Aligning values: bridging research and practice
As I progressed in my PhD, I began to see the potential for a broader impact beyond just publishing my research findings and hoping others would adopt the recommendations. I realised that by working in Research Services, I could directly support researchers and proactively, or pre-emptively, address the challenges my studies highlighted. This realisation marked the beginning of my desire to move my work into a university services environment, where I would have the remit and position to translate my insights into action.
In my current role as Talent Lab Project Officer, I’ve found that the skills and knowledge gained through my PhD are invaluable. My research experience allows me to empathise with academics navigating the pressures of publishing, funding, and career progression. It also provides me with the ability to identify gaps in support systems and propose initiatives that align with the evidenced needs of researchers.
The values that colleagues share across Glasgow’s Research Services Directorate align perfectly with findings from my own research and my personal goals. Through practices such as building community, fostering talent, offering safe and accessible spaces for connection, and opportunities for professional development, Research Services offers a domain to work in ways I am passionate about focusing on and developing, both for myself and for others. For example, by organising a Reunion Lunch for the 2024 Flourish cohort, I provided an opportunity for researchers to strengthen their community and relationships within their programme networks. Similarly, while developing The Glasgow Crucible 2025 programme, I am intentionally incorporating elements into this interdisciplinary initiative that nurture talent, leadership, and inclusive spaces for meaningful connections.
Wellbeing, a function of the health of our research community
A core mission of our work within Research Services at Glasgow is to support and foster a research culture in which research excellence can thrive – one where researchers feel valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their best work. Research excellence is contextualised in a holistic way; grounded in the knowledge that a positive culture and working environment are intrinsic foundations to build from.
The University of Glasgow’s commitment to working towards this thriving research culture by taking a person-centred approach, supporting each individual with the needs that they have, in the context that both constrains and enables them, resonates deeply with what I have learnt throughout my PhD. Researcher mental health is not just an individual concern but a systemic issue that affects the entire academic ecosystem. By promoting initiatives which benefit overall wellbeing, Research Services can play a crucial role in building healthier, more sustainable working environments for researchers. By creating opportunities for professional development alongside building community and feelings of belonging, research services have the potential to proactively bridge the gap between institutional priorities and the personal needs of academics.
Future aspirations
Looking ahead, I’m excited about the ways my experiences as a researcher can shape and enhance my professional contributions. Being a part of the Research Services Directorate offers a team of likeminded scholars and practitioners focused on prioritising wellbeing and inclusivity, championing policies and practices to reduce root causes of researcher stress.
My journey from my research into a professional space has been one of integration and growth. The insights gained from my doctorate have not only shaped my understanding of academia, but also fuelled my passion for making a difference through research services. By bridging these roles, I’ve discovered the power of aligning personal values with professional practice, using my experiences to advocate for a healthier, more supportive academic landscape.
As I continue on this path, I remain committed to contributing to a research culture where wellbeing is prioritised, and every researcher feels empowered to succeed. Collaboratively building a space where research excellence thrives – not at the expense of wellbeing, but because it is nurtured within a culture of care.
The Auditorium: a research culture and researcher development blog 